Bernard "Bernie" Jackson

Bernard LeRoy "Bernie" Jackson, 89, of Pana, Illinois passed away peacefully on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 8:24 PM at Heritage Health & Rehab in Pana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Pana with Father Joseph Havrilka officiating. Visitation will also be Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Kennedy & Sons Funeral Home, Pana from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pana Township, Illinois. Memorials in honor of Bernie may be made to Sacred Heart School, Pana. Bernard "Bernie" Jackson was born on October 8, 1935 in Assumption Township, Illinois the beloved son of Vincent Joseph and Bertha Cecelia (Einig) Jackson. He spent his early years in Assumption before moving to Pana, where he attended Sacred Heart School and later Pana High School. A dedicated member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and lifelong member of Local 965 Operating Engineers, Bernie's commitment to community and work were steadfast. He married Shirley Mizeur in St. Patrick's Catholic Church on April 26, 1958, who he divorced and later married Doris Sphar on March 25, 1983 in Taylorville. Bernard "Bernie" Jackson is survived by his children: daughter Barb Wilcox; son Bill Jackson of Decatur, Illinois; and daughter Sherry Butkauskas (Chris) of Pana, Illinois; step-sons Dave Sullivan of Pana and Bill Sullivan of Brighton, MO. He also leaves nine beloved grandchildren: Erin Baker, Jason Wilcox, Chet Wilcox, Craig Johnson, Aaron Jackson, Nathan Butkauskas (Kendra), Madyson Butkauskas, Nick Kennedy, and Bailey Kennedy; seven step-grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren; and sister Helen Hise of Belle Vista, AK. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Doris, his brother Vincent Eugene Jackson, and his son Brock Jackson.